Legislative support and progress continues toward the development of a School of Veterinary Medicine

MURRAY, Ky. – Progress toward a new School of Veterinary Medicine at Murray State University continues to be made, as House Bill 400 was passed by the Kentucky House of Representatives on Feb. 15 after advancing from the House Agriculture Committee on Feb. 7.

House Bill 400, introduced by House Agriculture Committee Chair Richard Heath, would amend the existing state statute to allow Murray State to offer doctoral degrees required to become licensed in veterinary medicine.

A complementary piece of legislation, Senate Bill 189, was introduced by Senator Jason Howell. 

“We are very grateful for the support of our legislators in working toward the development of a new School of Veterinary Medicine at Murray State University. These are major steps as we continue to move forward through the legislative process,” Murray State President Dr. Bob Jackson said. “This initiative is a vitally important one for the recruitment and retention of future veterinarians in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and in our region. We have a tremendous opportunity in front of us to greatly enhance a key workforce initiative and a multi-billion dollar industry in our state while meeting the needs of the agricultural industry.” 

Kentucky is one of more than 20 states without a School of Veterinary Medicine. In the United States, there are only 33 veterinary colleges accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are 86,300 veterinarians in the United States and this occupation is expected to grow by over 19% by 2031. The BLS also reports a total of 122,800 veterinarian technologists/technicians are working today and the field is expected to grow by 20% by 2031.

Murray State’s Hutson School of Agriculture has the largest estimated pre-veterinary medicine/veterinary technology enrollment of any university in Kentucky, and is just one of three programs in Kentucky that is fully accredited by the AVMA.

Murray State students are provided valuable hands-on learning opportunities that prepare them for success upon graduation. The University’s A. Carman Animal Health Technology Center, located on Murray State’s West Farm in Calloway County, offers state-of-the-art equipment and supplies to prepare students for a career in the field of veterinary medicine.

The Breathitt Veterinary Center at Murray State University, under the direction of the Hutson School of Agriculture, is located in Christian County, Kentucky, and is a nationally preeminent animal disease diagnostic laboratory dedicated to protecting the invaluable assets of Kentucky’s equine, livestock and poultry industries. The center is the only Level 1 Laboratory Status designated by the USDA National Animal Health Laboratory system and one of only 60 laboratories in the United States (one of 23 laboratories with Level 1 status). The center serves as an important teaching and learning facility for Murray State students.

To date, Murray State has adopted a resolution of support by its Board of Regents, established a School of Veterinary Medicine Task Force comprised of leading agricultural professionals, completed a feasibility study that indicated many benefits of a new School of Veterinary Medicine at Murray State University, and gathered support from various legislators, governmental entities, communities, industry representatives, organizations and individuals. 

The feasibility study can be viewed at https://bit.ly/3OmHZej.